On Nov. 28, Tan Tieniu, Secretary of CPC NJU Committee, attended a discussion with international faculty and students at Xianlin Campus. The discussion, hosted by Vice President Wang Zhenlin, centered around how to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of CPC and speed up the building of the “Unique Nanjing University”. The discussion revolved around the general goal of building NJU into a world-class university and the more internationalized path towards it. Tan interacted with attendees in English throughout the discussion.
The six international scholars present at the discussion agreed that Nanjing University, with its great academic setting, advanced science research facilities, preeminent faculty and excellent students, provides a platform for students and teachers alike to fulfill their aspirations. They have strong faith that Nanjing University will be built into a world-class university.
Lin Anning, Head of the Institute of Modern Biology and Distinguished Professor at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of NJU Medical School), expressed his gratitude to NJU for providing a platform for teachers and students to pursue their dreams. Lin remarked that the Institute of Modern Biology now has over 50 master and doctoral students, which shows its attraction to talent and its ability to retain talent. He pointed out that NJU has witnessed many of its alumni becoming educators and scientists in its 120-year history, while the current generation of faculty, staff and students has the faith and strength to build NJU into a world-class university. He also gave suggestions on improving the tenure track system.
Ke Shuai, Professor at the Institute of Modern Biology, remarked that the four campuses of NJU are like a pond where there will be more dynamic exchanges and interactions between schools and departments. He hoped that the University can draw on the experience of institutions at home and abroad to deepen cooperation between campuses, establish a more open platform for schools and departments to interact with each other, construct an “internal circulation” system and free up on-campus resources.
Kai Ming Ting, Professor at the School of Artificial Intelligence, offered two suggestions on developing Nanjing University into a more internationalized university: it should give students a global outlook; it should encourage graduates to continue their career in academic research.
Bao Huiming, Professor at the School of Earth Science and Engineerings and Engineering and Director of International Center for Isotope Effects Research, hoped that the university can accept more students with an interdisciplinary background, further widen students’ and teachers’ worldview and make them more internationally minded, so that the university can constantly attract international talent.
Jonathan Adams, Professor at the School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, shared his feelings about life and work at NJU and gives suggestions on the procedures related to the recruiting of foreign talent.
Michael Meadows, Professor at the School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, recalled why he chose to work for NJU and expressed his love for Chinese culture and his affection for NJU students and teachers. Drawing on his research background, he also offered advice on further development of the university.
International students from the School of Liberal Arts, School of Journalism and Communication, Institute for International Students, Department of Computer Science and Technology, School of Foreign Studies, School of Life Sciences, and School of Law shared their experiences of studying and living at NJU, and made suggestions on issues concerning logistics support, academic research, international publicity, service in English and interaction between Chinese and foreign students. They agreed that NJU’s beautiful campus, excellent learning atmosphere and various cultural and sports activities have made their life quite fulfilling. Its well-developed campus facilities and rich academic resources have made learning here very convenient. Patient assistance from teachers, mutual encouragement from students and careful service from the staff have made them feel at home in a foreign land. They also hoped that in the future, the University will strengthen its international publicity and expand its international influence.
Tan, interacting with the scholars and students in fluent English, expressed his gratitude for their insight. Tan pointed out in his closing remarks that international scholars and students are an important part of NJU and that the university would make every effort to address their needs and enhance their sense of belonging and happiness. He also hoped that foreign teachers and students living and working at the university will help NJU, Jiangsu Province and China to pursue deeper international communication, dialogue, exchanges and cooperation.
“A university that embraces international scholars and students may not necessarily be a world-class university, but a world-class university will certainly open its arms to international scholars and students.” Tan stressed that according to the report to the 20th National Congress of CPC, China will ensure better strategic input from the science and technology sector, so as to boost the overall performance of China’s innovation system. NJU will take the opportunities brought by the “Great Discussion” to effectively respond to this. NJU will not only take root in Chinese culture, but also apply international insight and foster an internationalized academic setting to raise its profile and reputation. NJU will work harder to develop itself into a truly internationalized hub of teaching and research and accelerate its step in building itself into a world-class “Unique Nanjing University” with Chinese characteristics.
Directors from Human Resources Office, Undergraduate School, Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Institute for International Students, and Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies also took part in the discussion.
Translator: Song Jiaxin
Editors: Chen Xing, Xu Qida
